Part 2 of 6 of the theme 'Lessons from Revelation 8' by Gijs van den Brink
In Revelation 8, John sees that a number of global crises strike the earth. They are announced by an angel blowing a trumpet (Rev. 8:6vv.) But before the angels blow their trumpet, something else happens. It becomes silent in heaven for about half an hour (vs.1). John sees the seven angels standing before God (vs.2). These are a group of head angels, the so-called face angels who are constantly standing before God. They occupy the highest place among the heavenly servants of God. Two of them are mentioned by name in the Bible, namely Gabriel (Dan.8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19,26) and Michael (Dan.10:13, 21; 12:1; Jud.1:9; Rev.12:7).
They are given seven trumpets, trumpets, but they are not allowed to blow them yet. Only from verse 6 do they begin to use their instruments, after another angel brings the prayers of the saints on earth before God (vs.3-5). The crisis that the seven trumpets will bring are delayed until the silence in heaven is over. A silence in heaven is very unusual. We do not read about a silence in heaven anywhere else in the Bible. On the contrary, there is singing and worship day and night by angels, elders, creatures (Rev. 4:8 etc.). What is going on here? Why is this happening? What is so important that the judgments are interrupted?
We get the answer in verses 3-4. The prayers of the saints, of the believers on earth, must first be brought before God's throne. Do we realize what is happening here? The prayers of believers on earth cause a pause in heaven! All eyes are on an angel who stands by the altar. What an appreciation in heaven for the praying congregation on earth! Half an hour of silence! It seems like a short time, but when it is truly silent, a few minutes last a very long time. Think of two minutes of silence on May 4. Here there is thirty minutes of silence!
There is a pause in carrying out God's plan to hear first what the congregation on earth is praying. What a status our prayers have! We are as a congregation on earth, but in Christ also in heaven. Through the Holy Spirit we already have a heavenly status now (see also, e.g., Eph. 2:6).
Next time: Prayers are purified in heaven.
Also see: Part 1 of 6 of the theme 'Lessons from Revelation 8 ': Global crisis in Revelation 8
Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine
This is part 2 of 6 concise blog on the topic of "Lessons from Revelation 8" from Study Bible Magazine, Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!
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